Private Christopher Columbus McPhaul was born ca. 1843 in Florida.

His family had relocated from North Carolina between 1837-1838; his mother was listed on the 1850 census, but is absent from the 1860 census.

In 1860, he was living at the residence of his father Duncan near Mount Pleasant in Gadsden County, Florida along older sister Ella, older brother Hamilton (who served in the same company), and younger brothers William and John.

Christopher’s father was farmer of no small means, owning real estate valued at $1,000 and a personal worth of $4,000. Christopher’s profession was given as farm laborer; he had attended school within 12 months of the 1860 census.

He enlisted in Captain Davidson’s Company on May 15th, 1862 at Rico’s Bluff, Liberty County, Florida. He was present from the time the company when it left the state until October 9th, 1862 when he was left at Versailles, Kentucky. He was reported as being on furlough in Florida for the period of November 12th, 1862 through February 9th, 1863; he apparently exceeded the authorized period, for he was also carried as absent without leave on the same report.

He was reported as present with the company from February 9th until November 25th, 1863. During that period, pulled guard duty at the city jail at Knoxville, Tennessee on August 16-17, and was posted the following day to the city police and relieved on the following day.

Christopher was reported missing in action on November 25th, 1863 at Missionary Ridge. He had suffered a gunshot wound to his right lung; he was apparently captured and transported to the U.S. Hospital at Chattanooga, Tennessee where he died on December 3rd, 1863.

His place of interment is unknown.

C C McPhaul